CEBU CITY -- Fully grown marijuana plants worth more than P6 million were uprooted in a mountain barangay here on Saturday, April 9.
The marijuana plantation was found in Barangay Adlaon, Cebu City, said Police Lt. Col. Chuck Barandog, Force Commander of Cebu City Police Office's (CCPO) City Mobile Force Company (CMFC).
The CMFC led the operation and was assisted by CCPO's Drug Enforcement Unit, Intelligence Unit, Station 8 and personnel of the Naval Forces Central.
Barandog said the discovery of the marijuana plantation came amid CMFC’s intensified campaign against loose firearms.
"Significant number of loose firearms were surrendered and during those operations, we were tipped off by barangay officials and residents that there was marijuana plantation in the barangay," said Barandog.
Barandog said the CMFC then conducted a "thorough validation and confirmation" of the reports.
Barandog said the CMFC found out that the plantation was located in a mountainous area far from the barangay proper.
"A total of 15,840 stalks of fully grown marijuana plants with an estimated value of P6,336,000 were uprooted," said Barandog.
Barandog said no one was arrested during the operation but the CMFC has already identified the cultivator of the plantation.
Further investigation will be conducted to arrest the cultivator, said Barandog.
Most of the marijuana plants were destroyed right after they were uprooted.
"A few stalks were brought to the police crime laboratory for examination. We have to burn most of the uprooted trees in the area because of the distance and the treacherous terrain," Barandog said.
Barandog thanked officials and residents of Adlaon for helping the CMFC uncover the plantation.
Barandog said the successful operation highlighted the important role that the community can contribute to the police's campaign.
"The cooperation of the community is really valuable. They contribute so much to our campaign to get rid the community of illegal activities," said Barandog.